1. Home
2. Archive
3. 2017
4. 4/2017
5. Asymmetry of teeth in the indigenous groups of the Arctic zone (materials of craniological collections, MSU)

Asymmetry of teeth in the indigenous groups of the Arctic zone (materials of craniological collections, MSU)

Buzhilova A.P., Karaseva N.M.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mochovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia

Buzhilova Alexandra P.; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-6398-2177; albu_pa@mail.ru; Karaseva N.M., e-mail: nikaraseva@mail.ru.

Abstract

The analysis of asymmetry value of permanent teeth of various Arctic groups has been performed. The relations of crowns diameters were studied in the craniological series of the Khanty, Mansi, Evenks, Yukagirs, Inuit, Chukchi and Yakut from the Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology collections. In total 459 skulls have been studied. Evaluation of measurement error has also been made in the asymmetry index analysis. The statistical analysis was carried out using the methods of univariate statistics. On the maxilla, incisors directional asymmetry was found, as well as asymmetry of part of the posterior teeth, i.e. the teeth on the right side were relatively bigger than on the left side. On the mandible, there are cases of fluctuating asymmetry (second premolars and molars). In general, both asymmetry indexes (directional and fluctuating) show that the most variable teeth are on MDD (mesiodistal diameter), not VLD (buccolingual diameter). The means difference between directional and fluctuating asymmetry is practically absent. Sexual dimorphism is subtle. The difference was found in asymmetry index of the mesiodistal diameter of posterior teeth. In the females compared to the males, there is a tendency to enlargement of the standard deviation variability of the asymmetry index for both diameters of the lower jaw teeth. However, the described differences are not statistically significant. Comparative intergroup analysis of asymmetry levels brings studied groups together with groups with traditional lifestyle. The Arctic groups’ asymmetry value is close to the South-American Indians Tikuna (Tukuna), and partly to the North Australian aboriginal groups.

Keywords

teeth asymmetry; fluctuating asymmetry; physiological stress; human paleoecology; Arctic; Khanty; Mansi; Inuit

DOI: 10.32521/2074-8132.2017.4.119-132

Цит.: Buzhilova A.P., Karaseva N.M. Asymmetry of teeth in the indigenous groups of the Arctic zone (materials of craniological collections, MSU) // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2017; 4/2017; с. 119-132